Is Music Haram in Islam? Evidence from Quran, Hadith, and Scholarly Opinions

Does the beat of a drum lift your spirit, or whisper temptations? Does a soulful melody draw you closer to God, or pull you astray? For centuries, Muslims have wrestled with one of the most debated questions in Islam: Is music haram in Islam?

This isn’t just an academic discussion; it’s a deeply personal one for millions of Muslims worldwide. Some believe music is a grave sin, while others see it as a beautiful expression of God’s creation, even a pathway to spiritual introspection. This article cuts through the noise, providing a clear, evidence-based exploration of music’s permissibility in Islam, drawing directly from the Quran, authentic Hadith, and the insights of respected Islamic scholars.

We understand your desire for clarity on this important issue. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, allowing you to make an informed decision based on well-substantiated facts.

Related: 10 Haram Jobs Muslims Should Avoid for Halal Income

The Quran: A Divine Silence or a Subtle Warning?

Here’s a crucial point that often surprises people: The Holy Quran, God’s direct word, does NOT explicitly name or forbid music or musical instruments. This absence is a powerful argument for those who believe music is permissible.

However, scholars who lean towards prohibition interpret certain Quranic verses more broadly, connecting them to concepts of heedlessness or distraction. Let’s look at the key verses:

1. The “Amusement of Speech” (لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ)

Surah Luqman (31:6): وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِي لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًا ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ

English Translation: “And of the people is he who buys the amusement of speech to mislead [others] from the way of Allah without knowledge and takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment.”

What does it mean? Early Quranic commentators like Ibn Abbas and Mujahid understood “amusement of speech” to include singing and music. Their reasoning? Such entertainment, when pursued excessively or with immoral content, can divert a person from remembering Allah and following His straight path. The focus here isn’t just the sound itself, but its potential to distract from spiritual duties and encourage mockery of faith.

2. Satan’s “Voice” (بِصَوْتِكَ)

Surah Al-Isra (17:64): وَاسْتَفْزِزْ مَنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ مِنْهُم بِصَوْتِكَ وَأَجْلِبْ عَلَيْهِم بِخَيْلِكَ وَرَجِلِكَ وَشَارِكْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ وَعِدْهُمْ ۚ وَمَا يَعِدُهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ إِلَّا غُرُورًا

English Translation: “And incite [to senselessness] whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them. But Satan does not promise them except delusion.”

What does it mean? Scholars like Imam al-Qurtubi interpreted “your voice” (referring to Satan) to encompass music and singing that leads to sin or heedlessness. This interpretation highlights that Satan uses various means, including enticing sounds, to lead people astray. Again, the concern is the effect of the sound – does it push you towards what is right or wrong?

Key Takeaway from the Quran: While no direct prohibition exists, the Quran raises concerns about “amusement” that distracts from Allah’s path or falls under Satan’s incitement. This leaves room for interpretation.

The Hadith: Direct Clues and Contextual Nuances

The Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) offer more specific guidance, though even here, careful interpretation is needed. These narrations are the primary basis for arguments both for and against music.

Evidence for Prohibition (The Strongest Arguments):

1. The “Ma’azif” Hadith (Musical Instruments)

Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 5590): لَيَكُونَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي أَقْوَامٌ يَسْتَحِلُّونَ الْحِرَ وَالْحَرِيرَ وَالْخَمْرَ وَالْمَعَازِفَ

English Translation: “There will be among my Ummah (nation) people who will consider as lawful illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk (for men), the drinking of alcoholic drinks, and the use of musical instruments (ma’azif).”

Why is this significant? This Hadith is considered a bedrock for those who forbid music. The Prophet (PBUH) explicitly mentions “ma’azif” (a term generally understood to mean musical instruments) alongside other universally prohibited acts like illicit sex and alcohol. This places musical instruments in the same category of forbidden things.

2. The Divine Punishment Hadith

Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith 4020): يَشْرَبُ نَاسٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِي الْخَمْرَ يُسَمُّونَهَا بِغَيْرِ اسْمِهَا يُعْزَفُ عَلَى رُءُوسِهِمْ بِالْمَعَازِفِ وَالْقَيْنَاتِ يَخْسِفُ اللَّهُ بِهِمُ الأَرْضَ وَيَجْعَلُ مِنْهُمُ الْقِرَدَةَ وَالْخَنَازِيرَ

English Translation: “People among my nation will drink wine, calling it by another name, and musical instruments will be played for them and singing girls (will sing for them). Allah will cause the earth to swallow them up, and will turn them into monkeys and pigs.”

Why is this significant? This Hadith paints a stark picture, linking musical instruments and “singing girls” directly with widespread sin and severe divine punishment. It strengthens the argument that such practices are indeed forbidden.

Evidence for Permissibility (The Nuanced Perspective):

The “Duff” Hadith (Tambourine-like Drum)

Sahih al-Bukhari (narrated by Aisha): دَخَلَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَعِنْدِي جَارِيَتَانِ مِنْ جَوَارِي الأَنْصَارِ تُغَنِّيَانِ بِمَا تَقَاوَلَتِ الأَنْصَارُ يَوْمَ بُعَاثَ، قَالَتْ وَلَيْسَتَا بِمُغَنِّيَتَيْنِ، فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ: أَمَزَامِيرُ الشَّيْطَانِ فِي بَيْتِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَذَلِكَ فِي يَوْمِ عِيدٍ. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ دَعْهُمَا يَا أَبَا بَكْرٍ، فَإِنَّهَا أَيَّامُ عِيدٍ ‏”

English Translation: “Abu Bakr came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me the songs of Bu’ath. She said, ‘They were not professional singers.’ Abu Bakr said, ‘Musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)?’ and that was on the day of Eid. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, ‘Leave them, Abu Bakr, for these are the days of Eid.'”

Why is this significant? This Hadith is a cornerstone for those who argue for conditional permissibility. The Prophet (PBUH) allowed the girls to continue singing and playing the duff (a hand drum), specifically on a day of Eid. This suggests that certain simple instruments and celebratory singing are permissible, especially on festive occasions and when the content is harmless. The key here is the type of instrument (percussion only) and the context (celebration, not professional entertainment).

Key Takeaway from Hadith: There are strong narrations supporting prohibition, especially of string/wind instruments (“ma’azif”). However, other narrations show the Prophet’s allowance for simple percussion (duff) and permissible singing in celebratory contexts. This is where scholarly interpretation becomes vital.

Leading Scholarly Opinions: A Spectrum of Views

The interpretation of these verses and Hadith has led to diverse conclusions among renowned Islamic scholars throughout history.

1. The Strict Prohibition View (Historically Dominant): Many classical scholars from the four major Sunni schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) have historically upheld the view that most forms of music and musical instruments are Haram (forbidden).

• Who holds this view? Prominent figures include Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and later scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim.
• Why? They primarily rely on the “ma’azif” Hadith, seeing musical instruments as explicitly forbidden. They also interpret the Quranic verses about “amusement of speech” as encompassing music that distracts from religious duties and leads to frivolousness or sin. They emphasize that sound can be a powerful tool for good or evil, and the common use of musical instruments historically has been associated with vice.

2. The Conditional Permissibility View (A Growing Modern Consensus): This perspective argues that music itself is not inherently forbidden, but its permissibility depends on strict conditions.

• Who holds this view? Influential figures like Imam Al-Ghazali (in his seminal work Ihya Ulum al-Din) and, in contemporary times, Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi are strong proponents.
• Why? They acknowledge the Hadith on “ma’azif” but argue that it applies to specific types of instruments or music that leads to sin. They emphasize the Prophet’s allowance of the duff and certain types of singing. Their conditions for permissibility include:
  • Content: Lyrics must be moral, not promote sin, or contradict Islamic teachings (no glorification of alcohol, illicit relationships, violence, etc.).
  • Context: Music should NOT be played in environments associated with prohibited acts (e.g., bars, parties with illicit mixing of genders, drug use).
  • Effect: It must NOT lead to excessive heedlessness, neglect of religious obligations (like Salat – prayer), or arousal of forbidden desires.
  • Instruments: Some in this group strictly permit only percussion instruments like the duff, while others allow for a broader range as long as conditions are met.
  • Intention: If the intention is for spiritual upliftment (e.g., nasheeds, Sufi dhikr music) or permissible enjoyment, it may be allowed.

3. The General Permissibility View (Minority Classical, Significant Modern): This view holds that music is generally permissible unless it clearly leads to forbidden acts.

• Who holds this view? A smaller number of classical scholars, and a growing number of contemporary academics. They often emphasize the Quran’s silence on direct prohibition.
• Why? They argue that the Hadith on “ma’azif” might have specific contexts or interpretations that do not apply to all music. They focus on the general Islamic principle that “everything is permissible unless proven otherwise.” They highlight the aesthetic value of sound and its potential for positive expression and emotional well-being, as long as it doesn’t cross clear Islamic boundaries.

How to Navigate This for YOU: A Practical Guide

This topic isn’t about rigid rules for everyone, but about personal responsibility and consciousness. Here’s how you can approach music in your life, aligned with Islamic principles:

1. Seek Knowledge, Not Just Opinions: Don’t rely on hearsay. Read reliable sources, understand the evidence from the Quran and Hadith, and learn about the different scholarly interpretations. This article is a starting point!
2. Consult Trustworthy Scholars: If you’re genuinely uncertain, reach out to a respected and knowledgeable Islamic scholar whose methodology you trust. They can offer personalized guidance.
3. Assess the Content:
   • Lyrics: Are they morally upright? Do they glorify sin or promote un-Islamic values? If so, avoid them.
   • Message: What is the overall message of the song? Does it align with your values as a Muslim?
4. Consider the Context and Environment:
   • Where is the music being played? Is it in a gathering where other sins are committed?
   • Does the music encourage inappropriate mixing of genders or other forbidden actions?
   • Does it distract you from your prayers or other religious obligations?
5. Evaluate Your Own Response:
   • Does the music make you feel more spiritually connected, or does it make you forget Allah?
   • Does it incite desires that are forbidden?
   • Does it lead to excessive time-wasting or heedlessness?

The Bottom Line:

Islam encourages balance and moderation. The beauty of the Quranic recitation, the rhythmic call of the adhan, and the spiritual chants of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are all powerful and permissible uses of sound in Islam.

For music with instruments, the stronger scholarly opinion, supported by robust Hadith, leans towards prohibition of most musical instruments. However, there is a clear allowance for simple percussion like the duff in celebratory contexts.

Ultimately, your relationship with music should not compromise your relationship with Allah. Strive for conscientiousness in your choices, seeking what brings you closer to your Creator and helps you live a life of virtue. May Allah guide us all to what is best.